Martin James Kelly

Martin “Marty” Kelly, 69, of Chesapeake, Virginia died Sunday, September 10, 2023 in Jacksonville, Florida, surrounded by the love, prayers, and presence of his family. Marty loved his faith, his family, and his company Jo-Kell Inc., which he led for 45 years as co-owner and president.

Marty was born June 2, 1954 in East St. Louis, Illinois to Joseph and Marianne Kelly.

Marty graduated from Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach, VA. He was passionately Catholic and a leader in the Knights of Columbus Council 8240, where he was a 4th Degree Knight. Marty will be remembered by the Knights and his family as an accomplished “chef”, having cooked thousands of meals for the Council Spaghetti Dinners, Fish Fries, Valentine Dinner Dances and Parish Picnics. Marty was a parishioner at St. Benedict's Catholic Church in Chesapeake, Virginia, and St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Jacksonville, Florida.

Marty was an avid reader, a history lover, and an accomplished high school basketball coach. He was a gifted listener and storyteller. He was generous with his time and made a difference in the lives of many. Marty loved the water and cruising on his boat, the Deo Gratias.

Marty is survived by his wife of 45 years, Susan Kelly, their four children, John (Kathryn) Kelly, Nicole (Alex) Allaire, Kaitlyn (Jeremy) Moss, and Mary (Kevin) Kopf, 14 beautiful grandchildren (including one expected in October 2023) Henry, Mary Jo, Therese, Gemma, Joy, John Paul, and Charles Allaire; Silas, Aidan, Boadin, and Cecilia Moss; and Martin and Eleanor Kopf, his four siblings, Joanne (John) Baines, Michael Kelly, Karen Smith, Julie (Tommy) Hart, and many nieces and nephews.

Marty also leaves behind his Jo-Kell family, affectionately referred to as his “Jo-Kellians”. He loved the company and the work-family employed there. Marty embraced the corporate culture he helped create, one of love for one another and love of the community at large. Marty did not simply love to work; Marty worked to love.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Benedict's Parish in Chesapeake, on Oct. 4th at 8:00AM. A Celebration of Marty's Life will be held on the evening of Oct. 4th. Refer to www.jokell.com for details.

In lieu of flowers the family requests prayers and Holy Masses offered for the repose of the soul of Marty.

Memorial donations may be made in Marty's name to:

St. Benedict's Building Fund: St. Benedict's Catholic Church, 521 McCosh Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23320 St. Michael's Building Fund: St. Michael The Archangel Catholic Church, 1950 Bartram Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32207

Knights of Columbus: Council 8240, Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 621 Cedar Rd., Chesapeake, VA 23322